Desktop signal booster

ABSTRACT

Technology for a signal repeater is disclosed. The signal repeater can include a cellular signal amplifier configured to amplify signals for a wireless device. The signal repeater can include an integrated satellite transceiver coupled to the cellular signal amplifier and configured to communicate signals to one or more satellites. The integrated satellite transceiver can be used when cellular signals are unavailable.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/814,223 filed Nov. 15, 2017, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/422,505, filedNov. 15, 2016, the entire specifications of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Signal boosters and repeaters can be used to increase the quality ofwireless communication between a wireless device and a wirelesscommunication access point, such as a cell tower. Signal boosters canimprove the quality of the wireless communication by amplifying,filtering, and/or applying other processing techniques to uplink anddownlink signals communicated between the wireless device and thewireless communication access point.

As an example, the signal booster can receive, via an antenna, downlinksignals from the wireless communication access point. The signal boostercan amplify the downlink signal and then provide an amplified downlinksignal to the wireless device. In other words, the signal booster canact as a relay between the wireless device and the wirelesscommunication access point. As a result, the wireless device can receivea stronger signal from the wireless communication access point.Similarly, uplink signals from the wireless device (e.g., telephonecalls and other data) can be directed to the signal booster. The signalbooster can amplify the uplink signals before communicating, via anantenna, the uplink signals to the wireless communication access point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from thedetailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the disclosure; and, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a signal booster in communication with a wirelessdevice and a base station in accordance with an example;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cellular signal booster configured to amplifyuplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using one or more downlink signalpaths and one or more uplink signal paths in accordance with an example;

FIG. 3 illustrates a desktop signal booster in accordance with anexample;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cellular signal amplifier configured to amplify DLsignals in accordance with an example;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cellular signal amplifier configured with asimultaneous bypass path in accordance with an example;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cellular signal amplifier configured to amplifyuplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals in accordance with an example;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cellular signal amplifier configured with asimultaneous bypass path in accordance with an example;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cellular signal amplifier with bypassable poweramplifiers in accordance with an example;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cellular signal amplifier configured withswitchable band pass filters (BPFs) in accordance with an example;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cellular signal amplifier with bypassable poweramplifiers in accordance with an example; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a wireless device in accordance with an example.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, andspecific language will be used herein to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the particularstructures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but isextended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by thoseordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understoodthat terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describingparticular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. The samereference numerals in different drawings represent the same element.Numbers provided in flow charts and processes are provided for clarityin illustrating steps and operations and do not necessarily indicate aparticular order or sequence.

Example Embodiments

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below and thenspecific technology embodiments are described in further detail later.This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding thetechnology more quickly but is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the technology nor is it intended to limit thescope of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary signal booster 120 in communication witha wireless device 110 and a base station 130. The signal booster 120 canbe referred to as a repeater. A repeater can be an electronic deviceused to amplify (or boost) signals. The signal booster 120 (alsoreferred to as a cellular signal amplifier) can improve the quality ofwireless communication by amplifying, filtering, and/or applying otherprocessing techniques via a signal amplifier 122 to uplink signalscommunicated from the wireless device 110 to the base station 130 and/ordownlink signals communicated from the base station 130 to the wirelessdevice 110. In other words, the signal booster 120 can amplify or boostuplink signals and/or downlink signals bi-directionally. In one example,the signal booster 120 can be at a fixed location, such as in a home oroffice. Alternatively, the signal booster 120 can be attached to amobile object, such as a vehicle or a wireless device 110.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can include an integrateddevice antenna 124 (e.g., an inside antenna or a coupling antenna) andan integrated node antenna 126 (e.g., an outside antenna). Theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive the downlink signal from thebase station 130. The downlink signal can be provided to the signalamplifier 122 via a second coaxial cable 127 or other type of radiofrequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals.The signal amplifier 122 can include one or more cellular signalamplifiers for amplification and filtering. The downlink signal that hasbeen amplified and filtered can be provided to the integrated deviceantenna 124 via a first coaxial cable 125 or other type of radiofrequency connection operable to communicate radio frequency signals.The integrated device antenna 124 can wirelessly communicate thedownlink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the wirelessdevice 110.

Similarly, the integrated device antenna 124 can receive an uplinksignal from the wireless device 110. The uplink signal can be providedto the signal amplifier 122 via the first coaxial cable 125 or othertype of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radiofrequency signals. The signal amplifier 122 can include one or morecellular signal amplifiers for amplification and filtering. The uplinksignal that has been amplified and filtered can be provided to theintegrated node antenna 126 via the second coaxial cable 127 or othertype of radio frequency connection operable to communicate radiofrequency signals. The integrated device antenna 126 can communicate theuplink signal that has been amplified and filtered to the base station130.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can filter the uplink anddownlink signals using any suitable analog or digital filteringtechnology including, but not limited to, surface acoustic wave (SAW)filters, bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters, film bulk acoustic resonator(FBAR) filters, ceramic filters, waveguide filters or low-temperatureco-fired ceramic (LTCC) filters.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can send uplink signals to a nodeand/or receive downlink signals from the node. The node can comprise awireless wide area network (WWAN) access point (AP), a base station(BS), an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radiohead (RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), aradio equipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processingmodule (CPM), or another type of WWAN access point.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 used to amplify the uplinkand/or a downlink signal is a handheld booster. The handheld booster canbe implemented in a sleeve of the wireless device 110. The wirelessdevice sleeve can be attached to the wireless device 110, but can beremoved as needed. In this configuration, the signal booster 120 canautomatically power down or cease amplification when the wireless device110 approaches a particular base station. In other words, the signalbooster 120 can determine to stop performing signal amplification whenthe quality of uplink and/or downlink signals is above a definedthreshold based on a location of the wireless device 110 in relation tothe base station 130.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can include a battery to providepower to various components, such as the signal amplifier 122, theintegrated device antenna 124 and the integrated node antenna 126. Thebattery can also power the wireless device 110 (e.g., phone or tablet).Alternatively, the signal booster 120 can receive power from thewireless device 110.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be a FederalCommunications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. As anon-limiting example, the signal booster 120 can be compatible with FCCPart 20 or 47 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Part 20.21 (Mar. 21,2013). In addition, the signal booster 120 can operate on thefrequencies used for the provision of subscriber-based services underparts 22 (Cellular), 24 (Broadband PCS), 27 (AWS-1, 700 MHz Lower A-EBlocks, and 700 MHz Upper C Block), and 90 (Specialized Mobile Radio) of47 C.F.R. The signal booster 120 can be configured to automaticallyself-monitor its operation to ensure compliance with applicable noiseand gain limits. The signal booster 120 can either self-correct or shutdown automatically if the signal booster's operations violate theregulations defined in FCC Part 20.21.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can improve the wirelessconnection between the wireless device 110 and the base station 130(e.g., cell tower) or another type of wireless wide area network (WWAN)access point (AP). The signal booster 120 can boost signals for cellularstandards, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) LongTerm Evolution (LTE) Release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 standards orInstitute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.16. In oneconfiguration, the signal booster 120 can boost signals for 3GPP LTERelease 13.0.0 (March 2016) or other desired releases. The signalbooster 120 can boost signals from the 3GPP Technical Specification36.101 (Release 12 Jun. 2015) bands or LTE frequency bands. For example,the signal booster 120 can boost signals from the LTE frequency bands:2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, and 25. In addition, the signal booster 120 canboost selected frequency bands based on the country or region in whichthe signal booster is used, including any of bands 1-70 or other bands,as disclosed in ETSI TS136 104 V13.5.0 (2016-10).

The number of LTE frequency bands and the level of signal improvementcan vary based on a particular wireless device, cellular node, orlocation. Additional domestic and international frequencies can also beincluded to offer increased functionality. Selected models of the signalbooster 120 can be configured to operate with selected frequency bandsbased on the location of use. In another example, the signal booster 120can automatically sense from the wireless device 110 or base station 130(or GPS, etc.) which frequencies are used, which can be a benefit forinternational travelers.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 and the integratednode antenna 126 can be comprised of a single antenna, an antenna array,or have a telescoping form-factor. In another example, the integrateddevice antenna 124 and the integrated node antenna 126 can be amicrochip antenna. An example of a microchip antenna is AMMAL001. In yetanother example, the integrated device antenna 124 and the integratednode antenna 126 can be a printed circuit board (PCB) antenna. Anexample of a PCB antenna is TE 2118310-1.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 can receive uplink(UL) signals from the wireless device 100 and transmit DL signals to thewireless device 100 using a single antenna. Alternatively, theintegrated device antenna 124 can receive UL signals from the wirelessdevice 100 using a dedicated UL antenna, and the integrated deviceantenna 124 can transmit DL signals to the wireless device 100 using adedicated DL antenna.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 124 can communicate withthe wireless device 110 using near field communication. Alternatively,the integrated device antenna 124 can communicate with the wirelessdevice 110 using far field communication.

In one example, the integrated node antenna 126 can receive downlink(DL) signals from the base station 130 and transmit uplink (UL) signalsto the base station 130 via a single antenna. Alternatively, theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive DL signals from the base station130 using a dedicated DL antenna, and the integrated node antenna 126can transmit UL signals to the base station 130 using a dedicated ULantenna.

In one configuration, multiple signal boosters can be used to amplify ULand DL signals. For example, a first signal booster can be used toamplify UL signals and a second signal booster can be used to amplify DLsignals. In addition, different signal boosters can be used to amplifydifferent frequency ranges.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be configured toidentify when the wireless device 110 receives a relatively strongdownlink signal. An example of a strong downlink signal can be adownlink signal with a signal strength greater than approximately −80dBm. The signal booster 120 can be configured to automatically turn offselected features, such as amplification, to conserve battery life. Whenthe signal booster 120 senses that the wireless device 110 is receivinga relatively weak downlink signal, the integrated booster can beconfigured to provide amplification of the downlink signal. An exampleof a weak downlink signal can be a downlink signal with a signalstrength less than −80 dBm.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can also include one or more of:a waterproof casing, a shock absorbent casing, a flip-cover, a wallet,or extra memory storage for the wireless device. In one example, extramemory storage can be achieved with a direct connection between thesignal booster 120 and the wireless device 110. In another example,Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Bluetooth 5, Ultra High Frequency (UHF),3GPP LTE, Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, orIEEE 802.11ad can be used to couple the signal booster 120 with thewireless device 110 to enable data from the wireless device 110 to becommunicated to and stored in the extra memory storage that isintegrated in the signal booster 120. Alternatively, a connector can beused to connect the wireless device 110 to the extra memory storage.

In one example, the signal booster 120 can include photovoltaic cells orsolar panels as a technique of charging the integrated battery and/or abattery of the wireless device 110. In another example, the signalbooster 120 can be configured to communicate directly with otherwireless devices with signal boosters. In one example, the integratednode antenna 126 can communicate over Very High Frequency (VHF)communications directly with integrated node antennas of other signalboosters. The signal booster 120 can be configured to communicate withthe wireless device 110 through a direct connection, Near-FieldCommunications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetoothv4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, Institute ofElectronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TV White SpaceBand (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radioband. Examples of such ISM bands include 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5GHz, or 5.9 GHz. This configuration can allow data to pass at high ratesbetween multiple wireless devices with signal boosters. Thisconfiguration can also allow users to send text messages, initiate phonecalls, and engage in video communications between wireless devices withsignal boosters. In one example, the integrated node antenna 126 can beconfigured to couple to the wireless device 110. In other words,communications between the integrated node antenna 126 and the wirelessdevice 110 can bypass the integrated booster.

In another example, a separate VHF node antenna can be configured tocommunicate over VHF communications directly with separate VHF nodeantennas of other signal boosters. This configuration can allow theintegrated node antenna 126 to be used for simultaneous cellularcommunications. The separate VHF node antenna can be configured tocommunicate with the wireless device 110 through a direct connection,Near-Field Communications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy,Bluetooth v4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE,Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TVWhite Space Band (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical(ISM) radio band.

In one configuration, the signal booster 120 can be configured forsatellite communication. In one example, the integrated node antenna 126can be configured to act as a satellite communication antenna. Inanother example, a separate node antenna can be used for satellitecommunications. The signal booster 120 can extend the range of coverageof the wireless device 110 configured for satellite communication. Theintegrated node antenna 126 can receive downlink signals from satellitecommunications for the wireless device 110. The signal booster 120 canfilter and amplify the downlink signals from the satellitecommunication. In another example, during satellite communications, thewireless device 110 can be configured to couple to the signal booster120 via a direct connection or an ISM radio band. Examples of such ISMbands include 2.4 GHz, 3.6 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5 GHz, or 5.9 GHz.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary bi-directional wireless signal booster200 configured to amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals using aseparate signal path for each UL frequency band and DL frequency bandand a controller 240. An outside antenna 210, or an integrated nodeantenna, can receive a downlink signal. For example, the downlink signalcan be received from a base station (not shown). The downlink signal canbe provided to a first B1/B2 diplexer 212, wherein B1 represents a firstfrequency band and B2 represents a second frequency band. The firstB1/B2 diplexer 212 can create a B1 downlink signal path and a B2downlink signal path. Therefore, a downlink signal that is associatedwith B1 can travel along the B1 downlink signal path to a first B1duplexer 214, or a downlink signal that is associated with B2 can travelalong the B2 downlink signal path to a first B2 duplexer 216. Afterpassing the first B1 duplexer 214, the downlink signal can travelthrough a series of amplifiers (e.g., A10, A11 and A12) and downlinkband pass filters (BPF) to a second B1 duplexer 218. Alternatively,after passing the first B2 duplexer 216, the downlink can travel througha series of amplifiers (e.g., A07, A08 and A09) and downlink band passfilters (BFF) to a second B2 duplexer 220. At this point, the downlinksignal (B1 or B2) has been amplified and filtered in accordance with thetype of amplifiers and BPFs included in the bi-directional wirelesssignal booster 200. The downlink signals from the second B1 duplexer 218or the second B2 duplexer 220, respectively, can be provided to a secondB1/B2 diplexer 222. The second B1/B2 diplexer 222 can provide anamplified downlink signal to an inside antenna 230, or an integrateddevice antenna. The inside antenna 230 can communicate the amplifieddownlink signal to a wireless device (not shown), such as a mobilephone.

In one example, the inside antenna 230 can receive an uplink (UL) signalfrom the wireless device. The uplink signal can be provided to thesecond B1/B2 diplexer 222. The second B1/B2 diplexer 222 can create a B1uplink signal path and a B2 uplink signal path. Therefore, an uplinksignal that is associated with B1 can travel along the B1 uplink signalpath to the second B1 duplexer 218, or an uplink signal that isassociated with B2 can travel along the B2 uplink signal path to thesecond B2 duplexer 222. After passing the second B1 duplexer 218, theuplink signal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A01, A02and A03) and uplink band pass filters (BPF) to the first B1 duplexer214. Alternatively, after passing the second B2 duplexer 220, the uplinksignal can travel through a series of amplifiers (e.g., A04, A05 andA06) and uplink band pass filters (BPF) to the first B2 duplexer 216. Atthis point, the uplink signal (B1 or B2) has been amplified and filteredin accordance with the type of amplifiers and BFFs included in thebi-directional wireless signal booster 200. The uplink signals from thefirst B1 duplexer 214 or the first B2 duplexer 216, respectively, can beprovided to the first B1/B2 diplexer 212. The first B1/B2 diplexer 212can provide an amplified uplink signal to the outside antenna 210. Theoutside antenna can communicate the amplified uplink signal to the basestation.

In one example, the bi-directional wireless signal booster 200 can be a6-band booster. In other words, the bi-directional wireless signalbooster 200 can perform amplification and filtering for downlink anduplink signals having a frequency in bands B1, B2, B3 B4, B5 and/or B6.

In one example, the bi-directional wireless signal booster 200 can usethe duplexers to separate the uplink and downlink frequency bands, whichare then amplified and filtered separately. A multiple-band cellularsignal booster can typically have dedicated radio frequency (RF)amplifiers (gain blocks), RF detectors, variable RF attenuators and RFfilters for each uplink and downlink band.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a desktop signalbooster 300. The desktop signal booster 300 can include a cellularsignal amplifier 310, and the cellular signal amplifier 310 can beconfigured to amplify signals for a wireless device 312 in proximity tothe desktop signal booster 300. For example, the wireless device 312 canbe physically coupled to the desktop signal booster 300, the wirelessdevice 312 can be less than 5 centimeters (cm) from the desktop signalbooster 300, the wireless device 312 can be less than 20 cm from thedesktop signal booster 300, the wireless device 312 can be less than 1meter from the desktop signal booster 300, etc. The cellular signalamplifier 310 can amplify downlink signals received from a base station(not shown), and then forward the amplified downlink signals to thewireless device 312. Similarly, the cellular signal amplifier 310 canamplify uplink signals received from the wireless device 312, and thenforward the amplified uplink signals to the base station. In oneexample, the cellular signal amplifier 310 can provide up to a 6 decibel(dB) improvement to the signal. In addition, the desktop signal booster300 can include an integrated satellite transceiver 314 that cancommunicate signals to one or more satellites.

In one example, the desktop signal booster 300 can include an integratednode antenna 302 for transmitting signals to the base station andreceiving signals from the base station. The desktop signal booster 300can include an integrated battery 304 to provide power to the cellularsignal amplifier 310 and/or the wireless device 312, thereby enablingunplugged operation of the desktop signal booster 300. The desktopsignal booster 300 can include an integrated device antenna 306 fortransmitting signals to the wireless device 312 and receiving signalsfrom the wireless device 312. The desktop signal booster 300 can includewireless charging circuitry configured to wirelessly charge the wirelessdevice 312 when the wireless device 312 is placed in proximity to thedesktop signal booster 300. The integrated node antenna 302, theintegrated battery 304, the integrated device antenna 306, the wirelesscharging circuitry 308 and the cellular signal amplifier 310 can beincorporated into the desktop signal booster 300 in a single, portableform-factor.

In addition, the integrated node antenna 302 and the integrated deviceantenna 306 can be positioned at a selected distance from each other toincrease isolation. For example, the integrated node antenna 302 can beplaced at a first end of the desktop signal booster 300 and theintegrated device antenna 306 can be placed at a second end of thedesktop signal booster 300 in order to increase the isolation betweenthe integrated node antenna 302 and the integrated device antenna 306.

In previous solutions, wireless charging docks fail to incorporate anintegrated signal booster, and particularly not a Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. In contrast, asshown, the desktop signal booster 300 can incorporate the wirelesscharging circuitry 308 to wirelessly charge the wireless device 312, andthe desktop signal booster 300 can be an FCC-compatible consumer signalbooster.

In one example, the desktop signal booster 300 can detect and mitigateunintended oscillations in uplink and downlink bands. The desktop signalbooster 300 can be configured to automatically power down or ceaseamplification when the wireless device 312 has approached an affectedbase station.

In one example, the desktop signal booster 300 can enable a cellularconnection, increase data rates and/or increase performance in otherwisepoor-connection areas. In order to improve performance, the desktopsignal booster 300 can be used in series with a standard signal boosterand/or a sleeve that amplifies signals for a wireless device placed inthe sleeve.

Typically, mobile devices can have an increased noise figure (e.g., 5-6dB) when the mobile devices do not use low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) ontheir radio frequency (RF) front-end receiving paths. However, thehandheld booster 300 can lower the noise figure (e.g., to approximately1-2 dB) by using one or more LNAs.

In one example, the wireless device 312 can be placed in a sleeve thatfunctions to amplify signals for the wireless device 312, and both thewireless device 312 and the sleeve can be placed in proximity to thedesktop signal booster 300. In other words, both the desktop signalbooster 300 and the sleeve can be utilized to improve performance. Inanother example, Bluetooth headsets, wired headsets and speaker phonescan allow a user to interface with or use the wireless device 312 whenthe wireless device 312 is placed on the desktop signal booster 300. Inyet another example, the desktop signal booster 300 can include a nodeantenna (not shown), and the node antenna can be extendable (e.g.,telescoping) or moveable to improve positioning and/or performance ofthe desktop signal booster 300. In addition, the desktop signal booster300 can include arms, a rubber cover or other means for holding thewireless device 312 in position (e.g., on top of the desktop signalbooster 300).

In one example, a coaxial cable can run from an outside antenna/boosterunit to a dock/charging unit, which can allow for improved positioningfor the consumer. The outside antenna/booster unit and the dock/chargingunit can connect together or detach as desired. In another example, aconsumer can have a ‘permanent’ outside antenna in a home or office, anda personal desktop booster can be ‘docked’ upon arrival at thatlocation.

In one configuration, the integrated device antenna 306 can communicatewith the wireless device 312 through a direct connection, Near-FieldCommunications (NFC), Bluetooth v4.0, Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetoothv4.1, Bluetooth v4.2, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), 3GPP LTE, Institute ofElectronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ad, a TV White SpaceBand (TVWS), or any other industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radioband.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal amplifier 400 configuredto amplify downlink (DL) signals. An integrated DL node antenna 404 canreceive a DL signal from a base station (not shown). The DL signal canbe directed to a first diplexer 408, which can direct the DL signal to aDL high band (HB) signal path or a DL low band (LB) signal path. The DLhigh band signal path and the DL low band signal path can each includeone or more single input single output (SISO) bandpass filters and oneor more amplifiers. For the DL high band signal path, the SISO bandpassfilter(s) can filter signals in LTE frequency bands 4 and 25. For the DLlow band signal path, the SISO bandpass filter(s) can filter signals inLTE frequency bands 5, 12 and 13. The DL signal can be filtered andamplified in either the DL high band signal path or the DL low bandsignal path. The amplification of the DL signals can be limited to again of less than or equal to 9 dB. Then, the DL signal can be passed toa second diplexer 406. The second diplexer 406 can direct the DL signalto an integrated device antenna 402, which can transmit the DL signal toa wireless device (not shown).

In one example, the DL high band signal path can include a HB detector412. The HB detector 412 can be a diode. The HB detector 412 can detecta DL signal received from the integrated DL node antenna 404 via thefirst diplexer 408. The HB detector 412 can detect a power level of theDL signal, and when the power level of the DL signal is greater than aselected threshold, the cellular signal amplifier 400 can be turned off.In other words, the DL signal may not need to be amplified, so thecellular signal amplifier 400 can be turned off to conserve power. Whenthe HB detector 412 detects that the power level of the DL signal isless than a selected threshold, the cellular signal amplifier 400 can beturned on. Therefore, the cellular signal amplifier 400 can be engagedor disengaged depending on the power level of the DL signal.

Similarly, the DL low band signal path can include a LB detector 410.The LB detector 410 can be a diode. The LB detector 410 can detect a DLsignal received from the integrated DL node antenna 404 via the firstdiplexer 404. The LB detector 410 can detect a power level of the DLsignal, and when the power level of the DL signal is greater than aselected threshold, the cellular signal amplifier 400 can be turned off.When the LB detector 410 detects that the power level of the DL signalis less than a selected threshold, the cellular signal amplifier 400 canbe turned on.

In one configuration, the mobile device can include a primary antennaand a secondary antenna. For example, the mobile device can use thesecondary antenna when the primary antenna is not working. In addition,when the primary antenna is used for a DL-only signal amplification andfiltering path (as shown in FIG. 4), the mobile device can use thesecondary antenna to transmit UL signals. In other words, the primaryantenna can be used for DL signals, and the secondary antenna can beused for UL signals. In this configuration, the UL signal transmittedfrom the mobile device may not be amplified by the cellular signalamplifier 400.

In one example, the lack of UL amplification can lead to a less than 9dB system gain. In another example, the cellular signal amplifier 400can include a detector that can detect an UL signal, and then determinewhether to turn the DL amplification path on or off.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal amplifier 500 configuredwith a simultaneous bypass path. The cellular signal amplifier 500 canonly amplify downlink (DL) signals. The cellular signal amplifier 500can direct an uplink (UL) signal on a simultaneous bypass path, whichenables the UL signal to travel directly from an integrated deviceantenna 502 to an integrated UL node antenna 504. In other words, the ULsignal can avoid a filtering and amplification path. In this case, whenthe UL signal is not amplified, the integrated device antenna 502 can bedirectly coupled to the integrated UL node antenna 504. The directcoupling between the integrated device antenna 502 and the integrated ULnode antenna 504 can be achieved using a directional coupler. Theamplification of the UL signal can account for signal loss due to thedirectional coupler 512. In addition, by not amplifying the UL signal, alower specific absorption rate (SAR) level can be achieved.

In one example, a DL signal can be received via an integrated DL nodeantenna 506. The DL signal can be directed to a first diplexer 508. TheDL signal can be directed to a high band DL signal amplification path ora low band DL signal amplification path, and then to a second diplexer510. The DL signal can travel from the second diplexer 510 to theintegrated device antenna 502 for transmission to a wireless device (notshown).

In one configuration, the cellular signal amplifier 500 can receive DLsignals and transmit UL signals with a single integrated node antenna.In other words, the integrated UL node antenna 504 and the integrated DLnode antenna 506 can be combined to form the single integrated nodeantenna.

In one configuration, the cellular signal amplifier 500 can include theintegrated device antenna 502 and an integrated UL/DL node antenna. Theintegrated device antenna 502 and the integrated UL/DL node antenna canbe connected via a simultaneous bypass path, which bypasses theamplification and signaling paths. As an example, an UL signal from theintegrated device antenna 502 can be passed to the integrated UL/DL nodeantenna via the simultaneous bypass path. As another example, a DLsignal from the integrated UL/DL node antenna can be passed to theintegrated device antenna 502 via the simultaneous bypass path.

In one example, the FCC can limit the cellular signal amplifier 500 to aless than 9 dB system gain because the cellular signal amplifier 500does not perform UL amplification. In another example, the cellularsignal amplifier 500 can include a detector that can detect an ULsignal, and then determine whether to turn the DL amplification path onor off. In yet another example, the cellular signal amplifier 500 caninclude an additional low noise amplifier (LNA) to reduce the noisefigure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal amplifier 600 configuredto amplify uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) signals. The cellular signalamplifier 600 can include an integrated device antenna 602, anintegrated UL node antenna 604 and an integrated DL node antenna 606. Inone example, the amplification of UL and DL signals can be limited to again of less than or equal to 23 dB. A separate cellular signalamplifier or separate antenna for UL and DL communications can increasethe UL or DL signal output power by eliminating the need for filteringon a power amplifier output.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 602 can receive an ULsignal from a wireless device (not shown). The UL signal can be directedto a splitter 603, and then the UL signal can be directed to firstdiplexer 608. The first diplexer 608 can direct the UL signal to an ULhigh band signal path or a UL low band signal path (depending on whetherthe UL signal is a high band signal or a low band signal). The UL highband signal path and the UL low band signal path can each include asingle input single output (SISO) bandpass filter. For the UL high bandsignal path, the SISO bandpass filter can filter signals in LTEfrequency bands 4 and 25. For the UL low band signal path, the SISObandpass filter can filter signals in LTE frequency bands 5, 12 and 13.The first diplexer 608 can appropriately direct the UL signal to thehigh band signal path or the low band signal path, in which the ULsignal can be filtered and amplified using a low-noise amplifier (LNA).The filtered and amplified UL signal can be passed to a second diplexer610, and then to the integrated UL node antenna 604, which can transmitthe UL signal to a base station (not shown).

In one example, the integrated DL node antenna 606 can receive a DLsignal from the base station. The DL signal can be directed to a thirddiplexer 612, which can direct the DL signal to a DL high band signalpath or a DL low band signal path. The DL high band signal path and theDL low band signal path can each include a single input single output(SISO) bandpass filter. For the DL high band signal path, the SISObandpass filter can filter signals in LTE frequency bands 4 and 25. Forthe DL low band signal path, the SISO bandpass filter can filter signalsin LTE frequency bands 5, 12 and 13. The DL signal can be filtered andamplified in either the DL high band signal path or the DL low bandsignal path, and then the DL signal can be passed to a fourth diplexer614. The fourth diplexer 614 can direct the DL signal to the splitter603, and then to the integrated device antenna 602, which can transmitthe DL signal to the wireless device. In one example, an attenuator canbe positioned between the integrated device antenna 602 and the splitter603 to reduce reflections.

In one configuration, separate UL and DL integrated device antennas canbe used to avoid splitter or duplexer (front-end) losses. By usingseparate UL and DL integrated device antennas, UL output power and DLsensitivity can be increased.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal amplifier 700 configuredwith a simultaneous bypass path. The cellular signal amplifier 700 canamplify downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) signals. However, the cellularsignal amplifier 700 can amplify either DL or UL signals at a given timeand allow UL non-amplified signals to simultaneously bypassamplification. In other words, the cellular signal amplifier 700 candetect a power level of an UL signal. The power level of the UL signalcan be detected using a detector (e.g., a diode). Based on a signalpower level in relation to a defined threshold, the cellular signalamplifier 700 can determine that the UL signal does not needamplification and can bypass either a high band or low band uplinksignal amplification path. For example, when the signal power level isabove the defined threshold, the UL signal can bypass the high band orlow band uplink signal amplification path. On the other hand, when thesignal power level is below the defined threshold, the UL signal can bedirected to one of the high band or low band uplink signal amplificationpath. In one example, DL signals can always be directed to a high bandor low band downlink signal amplification path of the cellular signalamplifier 700.

In one example, when the UL signal is not amplified, an integrateddevice antenna 702 can be directly coupled to an integrated UL nodeantenna 704. In other words, the UL signal can be directed sent from theintegrated device antenna 702 to the integrated UL node antenna 704. Thedirect coupling between the integrated device antenna 702 and theintegrated UL node antenna 704 can be achieved using a directionalcoupler.

Alternatively, the integrated device antenna 702 can be coupled with theintegrated UL node antenna 704 using a splitter, a circulator, atriplexer, a quadplexer, a multiplexer, or a duplexer.

In one example, the integrated device antenna 702 can receive an ULsignal from a wireless device (not shown). Signal detectors can detect apower level of the UL signal. When the power level is above the definedthreshold, one or more directional couplers can be configured such thatthe UL signal passes directly to the integrated UL node antenna 704 viathe simultaneous bypass path. As a result, the UL signal can avoidpassing through the high band UL signal amplification path or the lowband UL signal amplification path. The integrated UL node antenna 704can transmit the unamplified UL signal to a base station (not shown).

On the other hand, when the signal detectors detect that the power levelof the UL signal is less than the defined threshold, the one or moredirectional couplers can be configured such that the UL signal isdirected to a first diplexer 708. The first diplexer 708 can direct theUL signal to either the high band UL signal amplification path or thelow band UL signal amplification path, which causes the UL signal to befiltered and amplified. The UL signal can pass through a second diplexer710, and then to the integrated UL node antenna 704 for transmission tothe base station. In this example, based on the power level of the ULsignal, the UL signal does not travel through the simultaneous bypasspath.

In one example, a DL signal can be received via an integrated DL nodeantenna 706. The DL signal can be directed to a third diplexer 712. TheDL signal can be directed to a high band DL signal amplification path ora low band DL signal amplification path, and then to a fourth diplexer714. The DL signal can travel from the fourth diplexer 714 to theintegrated device antenna 702 for transmission to the wireless device.

In one example, the simultaneous bypass path can increase battery lifeof the cellular signal amplifier 700 by allowing UL amplification to beturned off. Further, the simultaneous bypass path can increasereliability, in the event the cellular signal amplifier malfunctions. Inone example, the simultaneous bypass path can be always active. Thesimultaneous bypass path can operate independently of whether or not thecellular signal amplifier 700 has failed. The simultaneous bypass pathcan operate independent of relays or switches to bypass the cellularsignal amplifier 700. Additionally, because wireless propagation pathsof signals from multiple antennas can constantly vary, fading marginscan exceed 15 dB. Therefore, by using multiple antennas, the reliabilityof the cellular signal amplifier 700 can be increased.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal amplifier 800 withbypassable power amplifiers. An integrated device antenna 802 canreceive an uplink (UL) signal, which can be directed to a splitter 804,and then to a first diplexer 810. The first diplexer 810 can direct theUL signal to a high band UL path or a low band UL path. The high band ULpath and the low band UL path can each include a bypassable poweramplifier. In one example, when the bypassable power amplifiers areswitched off (e.g., to save power), the UL signal from the high band ULpath or the low band UL path can travel to a second diplexer 812, thento a third diplexer 814, and then to an integrated UL node antenna 804.In this example, the UL signal is not amplified to save power. Inaddition, the high band UL path and the low band UL path can eachinclude a signal detector, which can detect a power level of the ULsignal. When the power level of the UL signal is above a definedthreshold, the UL signal may not be amplified.

In another example, when the bypassable power amplifiers are switchedon, the UL signal from the high band UL path or the low band UL path canbe directed to a respective power amplifier, and then to the thirddiplexer 814. The UL signal can travel from the third diplexer 814 tothe integrated UL node antenna 804. In this example, the UL signal canbe amplified prior to transmission from the integrated UL node antenna804.

In one example, an integrated DL node antenna 806 can direct a DL signalto a fourth diplexer 816. The fourth diplexer 816 can direct the DLsignal to a high band DL signal amplification and filtering path, or toa low band DL signal amplification and filtering path. A fifth diplexer818 can direct the DL signal to the splitter 808, which can direct thesignal to the integrated device antenna 802.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal amplifier 900 configuredwith switchable band pass filters (BPFs). Front end BPFs can be switchedin when a weak downlink (DL) DL signal is detected or switched out whena strong DL signal is detected. An example of a weak DL signal can be asignal with a signal strength less than −80 dBm while a strong DL signalcan be a signal with a signal strength greater than −80 dBm. Theminimization of noise figure can be critical in weak signal areas, andthe noise figure can be reduced and the coverage extended when thefront-end BPFs are switched off. In addition, the switchable BPFs canfunction to extend a receive sensitivity of the cellular signalamplifier 900.

In one example, an integrated DL node antenna 904 can receive a DLsignal, and the DL signal can be provided to a first diplexer 906. Thefirst diplexer 906 can direct the DL signal to a high band signalamplification and filtering path, or the DL signal can be directed to alow band signal amplification and filtering path. The high band path andthe low band path can each include switchable BPFs, which enable the DLsignal to avoid passing through at least some of the BPFs. The DL signalcan be directed to a second diplexer 908, and then to an integrateddevice antenna 902.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary cellular signal amplifier 1000 withbypassable power amplifiers. The power amplifiers can be switched onwhen an uplink (UL) signal needs to be amplified to reach a base stationor switched off and bypassed when a UL signal does not need to beamplified to reach a base station. In one example, the power amplifierscan be switched on when a power level of the UL signal is below adefined threshold, and the power amplifiers can be switched off when thepower level of the UL signal is above the defined threshold.

In one example, an integrated device antenna 1002 can receive an ULsignal. The UL signal can be directed to a splitter 1008, and then to afirst diplexer 1010. The first diplexer 1010 can direct the UL signal toa high band signal amplification and filtering path or a low band signalamplification and filtering path. Each of the high band and low bandpaths can include a switchable power amplifier. Depending on the powerlevel of the UL signal in relation to the defined threshold, the ULsignal can be provided to the power amplifier or bypass the poweramplifier to save power. The UL signal can be provided to a seconddiplexer 1012, and then to an integrated UL node antenna 1004.

In one example, an integrated DL node antenna 1006 can direct a DLsignal to a third diplexer 1014. The third diplexer 1014 can direct theDL signal to a high band DL signal amplification and filtering path, orto a low band DL signal amplification and filtering path. A fourthdiplexer 1016 can direct the DL signal to the splitter 1008, which candirect the signal to the integrated device antenna 1002.

FIG. 11 provides an example illustration of the wireless device, such asa user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile communicationdevice, a tablet, a handset, a wireless transceiver coupled to aprocessor, or other type of wireless device. The wireless device caninclude one or more antennas configured to communicate with a node ortransmission station, such as an access point (AP), a base station (BS),an evolved Node B (eNB), a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio head(RRH), a remote radio equipment (RRE), a relay station (RS), a radioequipment (RE), a remote radio unit (RRU), a central processing module(CPM), or other type of wireless wide area network (WWAN) access point.The wireless device can communicate using separate antennas for eachwireless communication standard or shared antennas for multiple wirelesscommunication standards. The wireless device can communicate in awireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network(WPAN), and/or a WWAN.

FIG. 12 also provides an illustration of a microphone and one or morespeakers that can be used for audio input and output from the wirelessdevice. The display screen can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen,or other type of display screen such as an organic light emitting diode(OLED) display. The display screen can be configured as a touch screen.The touch screen can use capacitive, resistive, or another type of touchscreen technology. An application processor and a graphics processor canbe coupled to internal memory to provide processing and displaycapabilities. A non-volatile memory port can also be used to providedata input/output options to a user. The non-volatile memory port canalso be used to expand the memory capabilities of the wireless device. Akeyboard can be with the wireless device or wirelessly connected to thewireless device to provide additional user input. A virtual keyboard canalso be provided using the touch screen.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to specific technology embodiments andpoint out specific features, elements, or actions that can be used orotherwise combined in achieving such embodiments.

Example 1 includes a desktop signal booster, comprising: a cellularsignal amplifier configured to amplify signals for a wireless device,wherein the wireless device is within a selected distance from thedesktop signal booster; an integrated device antenna coupled to thecellular signal amplifier, wherein the integrated device antenna isconfigured to transmit signals from the cellular signal amplifier to thewireless device; an integrated node antenna coupled to the cellularsignal amplifier, wherein the integrated node antenna is configured totransmit signals from the cellular signal amplifier to a base station;and wireless charging circuitry configured to wirelessly charge thewireless device when the wireless device is placed in proximity to thedesktop signal booster.

Example 2 includes the desktop signal booster of Example 1, wherein thedesktop signal booster is configured to operate in series with one ormore additional devices, wherein the additional devices include at leastone of: a non-portable signal booster, or a sleeve that amplifiessignals for a wireless device placed in the sleeve.

Example 3 includes the desktop signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 2,wherein a spacing between the integrated device antenna and theintegrated node antenna is selected to increase isolation between theintegrated device antenna and the integrated node antenna.

Example 4 includes the desktop signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 3,wherein the cellular signal amplifier further comprises one or moreamplification and filtering signal paths configured to be positionedbetween the integrated device antenna and the integrated node antenna,wherein the amplification and filtering signal paths are configured toamplify and filter signals for communication to the base station via theintegrated node antenna or for communication to the wireless device viathe integrated device antenna.

Example 5 includes the desktop signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 4,wherein the cellular signal amplifier further comprises a bypass signalpath configured to be positioned between the integrated device antennaand the integrated node antenna, wherein the bypass signal path does notamplify and filter signals traveling through the bypass signal path,wherein signals are directed to one of the amplification and filteringsignal paths or the bypass signal path depending on a power level of thesignals in relation to a defined power level threshold.

Example 6 includes the desktop signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 5,wherein the cellular signal amplifier further comprises one or moredetectors configured to detect the power levels of the signals.

Example 7 includes the desktop signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 6,wherein the cellular signal amplifier further comprises one or moredirectional couplers used to form the amplification and filtering signalpaths and the bypass signal path.

Example 8 includes the desktop signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 7,wherein: signals are directed to one of the amplification and filteringsignal paths when power levels of the signals are below the definedpower level threshold; and signals are directed to the bypass signalpath when power levels of the signals are above the defined power levelthreshold.

Example 9 includes the desktop signal booster of any of Examples 1 to 8,wherein the amplification and filtering signal paths includes a highband amplification and filtering signal path operable to direct signalswithin high frequency bands, wherein the high frequency bands includesband 4 (B4) and band 25 (B25).

Example 10 includes the desktop signal booster of any of Examples 1 to9, wherein the amplification and filtering signal paths includes a lowband amplification and filtering signal path operable to direct signalswithin low frequency bands, wherein the low frequency bands includesband 5 (B5), band 12 (B12) and band 13 (B13).

Example 11 includes a wireless device charging station, comprising: anintegrated device antenna configured to communicate signals with awireless device; an integrated node antenna configured to communicatesignals with a base station; and a cellular signal amplifier thatincludes one or more amplification and filtering signal paths, whereinthe amplification and filtering signal paths are configured to amplifyand filter signals for communication to the base station via theintegrated node antenna or for communication to the wireless device viathe integrated device antenna; and wireless charging circuitry operableto wirelessly charge the wireless device when the wireless device isplaced in proximity to the wireless device charging station.

Example 12 includes the wireless device charging station of Example 11,further comprising a battery configured to provide power to the cellularsignal amplifier and the wireless device.

Example 13 includes the wireless device charging station of any ofExamples 11 to 12, wherein: the cellular signal amplifier furtherincludes one or more detectors configured to detect power levels of thesignals; and the one or more amplification and filtering signal pathsinclude one or more bypassable amplifiers and one or more switchableband pass filters that are configurable depending on detected powerlevels of the signals.

Example 14 includes the wireless device charging station of any ofExamples 11 to 13, wherein: the signals bypass the amplifiers toconserve energy when the power levels of the signals are above a definedpower level threshold; or the signals do not bypass the amplifiers whenthe power levels are below a defined power level threshold.

Example 15 includes the wireless device charging station of any ofExamples 11 to 14, wherein: the band pass filters are switched in whenthe power levels of the signals are below a defined power levelthreshold; or the band pass filters are switched out when the powerlevels of the signals are above the defined power level threshold.

Example 16 includes the wireless device charging station of any ofExamples 11 to 15, wherein the band pass filters are switched out toreduce a noise figure of the cellular signal amplifier and extend acoverage area of the cellular signal amplifier.

Example 17 includes the wireless device charging station of any ofExamples 11 to 16, wherein the switchable band pass filters correspondto high frequency bands or low frequency bands, wherein the highfrequency bands include band 4 (B4) and band 25 (B25), and the lowfrequency bands include band 5 (B5), band 12 (B12) and band 13 (B13).

Example 18 includes the wireless device charging station of any ofExamples 11 to 17, wherein the one or more amplification and filteringsignal paths include one or more downlink (DL) amplification andfiltering signal paths and one or more uplink (UL) amplification andfiltering signal paths.

Example 19 includes a desktop signal repeater, comprising: a cellularsignal amplifier configured to amplify signals for a wireless device; anintegrated device antenna configured to transmit signals from thecellular signal amplifier to the wireless device; an integrated nodeantenna configured to transmit signals from the cellular signalamplifier to a base station; and an integrated satellite transceivercoupled to the cellular signal amplifier and configured to communicatesignals to one or more satellites.

Example 20 includes the desktop signal repeater of Example 19, whereinthe desktop signal repeater is configured to operate in series with oneor more additional devices, wherein the additional devices include atleast one of: a non-portable signal booster, or a sleeve that amplifiessignals for a wireless device placed in the sleeve.

Example 21 includes the desktop signal repeater of any of Examples 19 to20, wherein the integrated satellite transceiver is switched on whencellular signals are unavailable.

Example 22 includes the desktop signal repeater of any of Examples 19 to21, wherein the cellular signal amplifier is a Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster.

Example 23 includes the desktop signal repeater of any of Examples 19 to22, wherein the cellular signal amplifier is configured to boost signalsin up to seven bands.

Example 24 includes a signal booster, comprising: a cellular signalamplifier configured to amplify signals for a wireless device, whereinthe cellular signal amplifier further comprises a bypass signal paththat does not amplify and filter signals traveling through the bypasssignal path, wherein signals are directed to an amplification andfiltering signal path or the bypass signal path depending on a powerlevel of the signals in relation to a defined power level threshold.

Example 25 includes the signal booster of Example 24, furthercomprising: an integrated device antenna configured to transmit signalsfrom the cellular signal amplifier to the wireless device; and anintegrated node antenna configured to transmit signals from the cellularsignal amplifier to a base station.

Example 26 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 24 to 25,wherein the cellular signal amplifier is coupled to the integrateddevice antenna using a directional coupler.

Example 27 the signal booster of any of Examples 24 to 25, wherein thesignal booster is a desktop signal booster.

Example 28 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 24 to 27,wherein the cellular signal amplifier further comprises one or moredetectors configured to detect the power levels of the signals.

Example 29 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 24 to 28,wherein the cellular signal amplifier further comprises one or moredirectional couplers used to form the amplification and filtering signalpaths and the bypass signal path.

Example 30 includes the signal booster of any of Examples 24 to 29,wherein: signals are directed to one of the amplification and filteringsignal paths when power levels of the signals are below the definedpower level threshold; and signals are directed to the bypass signalpath when power levels of the signals are above the defined power levelthreshold.

Example 31 includes a signal repeater, comprising: a cellular signalamplifier configured to amplify signals for a wireless device; and anintegrated satellite transceiver coupled to the cellular signalamplifier and configured to communicate signals to one or moresatellites.

Example 32 includes the signal repeater of Example 31, wherein thesignal repeater is a desktop signal repeater.

Example 33 includes the signal repeater of any of Examples 31 to 32,further comprising: an integrated device antenna configured to transmitsignals from the cellular signal amplifier to the wireless device; andan integrated node antenna configured to transmit signals from thecellular signal amplifier to a base station.

Various techniques, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take theform of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible media,such as floppy diskettes, compact disc-read-only memory (CD-ROMs), harddrives, non-transitory computer readable storage medium, or any othermachine-readable storage medium wherein, when the program code is loadedinto and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomesan apparatus for practicing the various techniques. Circuitry caninclude hardware, firmware, program code, executable code, computerinstructions, and/or software. A non-transitory computer readablestorage medium can be a computer readable storage medium that does notinclude signal. In the case of program code execution on programmablecomputers, the computing device can include a processor, a storagemedium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatilememory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at leastone output device. The volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements can be a random-access memory (RAM), erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), flash drive, optical drive, magnetic hard drive,solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data. One ormore programs that can implement or utilize the various techniquesdescribed herein can use an application programming interface (API),reusable controls, and the like. Such programs can be implemented in ahigh level procedural or object oriented programming language tocommunicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) can beimplemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case,the language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combinedwith hardware implementations.

As used herein, the term processor can include general purposeprocessors, specialized processors such as VLSI, FPGAs, or other typesof specialized processors, as well as base band processors used intransceivers to send, receive, and process wireless communications.

It should be understood that many of the functional units described inthis specification have been labeled as modules, in order to moreparticularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, amodule can be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising customvery-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module can also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

In one example, multiple hardware circuits or multiple processors can beused to implement the functional units described in this specification.For example, a first hardware circuit or a first processor can be usedto perform processing operations and a second hardware circuit or asecond processor (e.g., a transceiver or a baseband processor) can beused to communicate with other entities. The first hardware circuit andthe second hardware circuit can be incorporated into a single hardwarecircuit, or alternatively, the first hardware circuit and the secondhardware circuit can be separate hardware circuits.

Modules can also be implemented in software for execution by varioustypes of processors. An identified module of executable code can, forinstance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computerinstructions, which can, for instance, be organized as an object,procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identifiedmodule need not be physically located together, but can comprisedisparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joinedlogically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purposefor the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code can be a single instruction, or manyinstructions, and can even be distributed over several different codesegments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated hereinwithin modules, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organizedwithin any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can becollected as a single data set, or can be distributed over differentlocations including over different storage devices, and can exist, atleast partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.The modules can be passive or active, including agents operable toperform desired functions.

Reference throughout this specification to “an example” or “exemplary”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment ofthe present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in an example”or the word “exemplary” in various places throughout this specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials can be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the presentinvention can be referred to herein along with alternatives for thevarious components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments,examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as defactoequivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate andautonomous representations of the present invention.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics canbe combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples of layouts, distances, network examples, etc., to provide athorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled inthe relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, layouts, etc. In other instances, well-knownstructures, materials, or operations are not shown or described indetail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent invention in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is notintended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims setforth below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A signal repeater, comprising: a cellular signalamplifier configured to amplify signals for a wireless device; anintegrated device antenna configured to transmit signals from thecellular signal amplifier to the wireless device; an integrated nodeantenna configured to transmit signals from the cellular signalamplifier to a base station; and an integrated satellite transceivercoupled to the cellular signal amplifier and configured to communicatesignals to one or more satellites.
 2. The signal repeater of claim 1,wherein the signal repeater is configured to operate in series with oneor more additional devices, wherein the additional devices include atleast one of: a non-portable signal booster, or a sleeve that amplifiessignals for a wireless device placed in the sleeve.
 3. The signalrepeater of claim 1, wherein the integrated satellite transceiver isused when cellular signals are unavailable.
 4. The signal repeater ofclaim 1, wherein the cellular signal amplifier is a FederalCommunications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal booster. 5.The signal repeater of claim 1, wherein the cellular signal amplifier isconfigured to boost signals in up to seven bands.
 6. A signal repeater,comprising: a cellular signal amplifier configured to amplify signalsfor a wireless device; and an integrated satellite transceiver coupledto the cellular signal amplifier and configured to communicate signalsto one or more satellites, wherein the integrated satellite transceiveris used when cellular signals are unavailable.
 7. The signal repeater ofclaim 6, wherein the signal repeater is a desktop signal repeater. 8.The signal repeater of claim 6, further comprising: an integrated deviceantenna configured to transmit signals from the cellular signalamplifier to the wireless device; or an integrated node antennaconfigured to transmit signals from the cellular signal amplifier to abase station.
 9. The signal repeater of claim 8, wherein the cellularsignal amplifier further comprises one or more amplification andfiltering signal paths configured to be positioned between theintegrated device antenna and the integrated node antenna.
 10. Thesignal repeater of claim 9, wherein the amplification and filteringsignal paths are configured to amplify and filter signals forcommunication to the base station via the integrated node antenna or forcommunication to the wireless device via the integrated device antenna.11. The signal repeater of claim 9, wherein the amplification andfiltering signal paths are configured to amplify and filter signals forcommunication to the one or more satellites via the integrated satellitetransceiver coupled to the cellular signal amplifier.
 12. The signalrepeater of claim 9, wherein the cellular signal amplifier furthercomprises a bypass signal path configured to be positioned between theintegrated device antenna and the integrated node antenna.
 13. Thesignal repeater of claim 12, wherein the bypass signal path does notamplify and filter signals traveling through the bypass signal path,wherein signals are directed to one of the amplification and filteringsignal paths or the bypass signal path depending on a power level of thesignals in relation to a defined power level threshold.
 14. The signalrepeater of claim 6, wherein the cellular signal amplifier is a FederalCommunications Commission (FCC)-compatible consumer signal amplifier.15. The signal repeater of claim 6, wherein the cellular signalamplifier is configured to boost signals in up to seven bands.
 16. Asignal repeater, comprising: a cellular signal amplifier configured toamplify signals for a wireless device; an integrated device antennaconfigured to transmit signals from the cellular signal amplifier to thewireless device; an integrated node antenna configured to transmitsignals from the cellular signal amplifier to a base station; and anintegrated satellite transceiver coupled to the cellular signalamplifier and configured to communicate signals to one or moresatellites, wherein the integrated satellite transceiver is used whencellular signals are unavailable.
 17. The signal repeater of claim 16,wherein the signal repeater is configured to operate in series with oneor more additional devices, wherein the additional devices include atleast one of: a non-portable signal booster, or a sleeve that amplifiessignals for a wireless device placed in the sleeve.
 18. The signalbooster of claim 16, wherein the cellular signal amplifier furthercomprises one or more detectors configured to detect power levels of thesignals.
 19. The signal repeater of claim 16, further comprisingwireless charging circuitry configured to wirelessly charge the wirelessdevice when the wireless device is placed in proximity to the signalbooster.
 20. The signal booster of claim 16, wherein a spacing betweenthe integrated device antenna and the integrated node antenna isselected to increase isolation between the integrated device antenna andthe integrated node antenna.